Airbus and COMAC to cooperate on sustainable air transport growth

Airbus and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in an effort to enable a sustainable growth in air transport. The agreement was signed by Günter Butschek, Airbus Chief Operating Officer and He Dongfeng, President of COMAC.

Through this commitment both partners aim to develop a mutual understanding on new air traffic management concepts and operations as defined in the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan. Airbus and COMAC will share best practices and identify improvements required by current ATM technology roadmaps both on-board the aircraft and on the ground to foster safer, more efficient and sustainable air traffic operations.

Standardised and interoperable air traffic management will make flights more efficient. Passengers will enjoy shorter travelling time thanks to optimised take-off, landing and taxiing procedures while emissions will be significantly reduced. Lower levels of noise will also benefit people living near to airports.

“Environmental protection, aircraft safety and a seamless cooperation between industry players are important factors in promoting a sustainable aviation industry”，said He Dongfeng, President of COMAC. “We will strengthen the cooperation with Airbus in areas like global interoperability, sustainability and aircraft safety, deepen the understanding of the world’s latest concepts and operations, best practices and methodologies. Through collaboration, both companies will jointly contribute to the long-term sustainable development of the aviation industry.”

“To build sustainable aviation, which is our common goal, we are facing common challenges, which need all the players of the entire industry to meet together,” said Günter Butschek, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. “Airbus has been collaborating with all the players of the industry around the world to promote the sustainable growth of the aviation industry and the cooperation with COMAC is a part of our worldwide efforts.”

As the scope of the cooperation expands, further projects will be launched.